Network Analyzers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Network Analyzers

What is a VNA? 

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) are test instruments that measure electrical network parameters. They are essential for radio frequency (RF) and microwave component analysis of various passive and active devices including filters, antennas, and power amplifiers. 

Network analyzers are the go-to instrument to conduct transmission, reflection, and impedance measurements, as well as s-parameter measurements during both the design and production processes. 

For more information, check out: What is a Network Analyzer? 
 

What is a network analyzer used for?

A network analyzer conducts component characterization tests. Network analyzers provide calibrated stimulus signals to the RF network or device under test (DUT) and measure the vector response over the frequency with phase and amplitude information. A VNA captures transmission (transmission coefficient, insertion loss, gain), reflection (reflection coefficient, VSWR, return loss), and impedance measurements, as well as the s-parameters S11, S12, S21, S22.
 

What does a vector network analyzer do? 

Network analyzers include both signal sources and receivers. The receivers detect changes to the output signal from a device (or network) and compare that to the source signals input into that device. To assess the device’s effect on the current and voltage, a VNA measures both the amplitude and phase responses caused by the device.  The resulting transmission and reflection measurements, impedance, and s-parameters enable test engineers to characterize their DUT. 
 

What are the types of network analyzers? 

Keysight offers five different types of network analyzer families ranging from high-end to compact: 

• Our high-end PNA family provides unrivaled excellence in measurement integrity and repeatability. PNA-X maximizes measurement flexibility, replacing an entire rack of equipment. PNA is the overall highest performing network analyzer in the industry.  
• Our midrange and economy ENA family drives down the test cost while providing ​reliable measurements, an intuitive UI, and upgradable instruments. ENAs balance speed, performance, and budget. 
• The FieldFox is the world’s most integrated handheld analyzer. Our handheld VNA ​enables benchtop precision in a rugged handheld unit. ​ 
• Modular PXI VNAs drive down the size of the test. Customize the network analyzer’s capabilities to only what you need and get fast, accurate multiport measurements.​ 
• The Streamline USB VNA enables a compact​ form factor with zero compromises. Streamline USB VNAs have all the performance of a benchtop instrument, but at a fraction of the size.
   

What is the best network analyzer?

Selection criteria for a VNA depend highly on the application or use case. Typical selection criteria include frequency range, number of required ports from 2 up to 24 (multiport) or even 48 in a switch matrix, output power, and instrument class from economy to handheld to high-end.

For more information, check out: Key Vector Network Analyzer Specifications 
 

HOW DO YOU USE A VNA?

A vector network analyzer measures a variety of devices and networks with numerous measurements for many different use-cases like spectrum analysis, pulse measurements, power amplifier (PA) characterization, and active device tests.  The following guide describes how to set up network analyzer measurements, calibrate your measurement setup, and interpret results: Making Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer.